Tag "Culture"

World Famous Magnificent Nesvizh Palace

Nesvizh Palace is considered the country’s most beautiful and renowned palace. Its richly diverse architecture and attractive gardens were designated the national historical and cultural reserve, and in 2006 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Palace of the Republic

Today it is a modern hospitable building known to every citizen of the Republic of Belarus and to many guests of our capital. Here prime social political events are held, forming the outline of development of the young Belarusian state, nationwide meetings, congresses and forums, summits, international seminars, symposiums and conferences.

The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus

The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre stages world-famous masterpieces of European and Russian composers and national repertoire artworks.

Free-visit Castles

The top list of free attractions in Belarus is opened by Belarusian castles. Combining various architectonic and constructive elements and traits of different epochs and styles, they become a great touristic opportunity not only for those interested in history and culture, but actually for everyone.

Janka Kupala National Theatre

Janka Kupala National Theatre is one of the most popular theatres in Belarus. Here you can see international classical and belarussian classical and modern performances.

Gomel (Homel): In Search Of Untouched Nature

Gomel is located in the south-eastern corner of the country. The Gomel region of Belarus borders Russia in the east and the Ukraine in the south. Around a third of the region is agricultural land.

Great Patriotic War Museum

The Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War was the world’s first museum to tell the story of the bloodiest war of the 20th century, and the only one in Belarus created during the years of Nazi occupation.

The National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus

The National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus is one of the country’s most popular museums. Its holdings house the biggest museum collection in Belarus numbering about 400,000 items.

The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus

The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus (the State Art Gallery from 1939 till 1957, the State Art Museum from 1957 till 1993) – the largest collection of the Belarusian and foreign art within the country – is located in the centre of Minsk.

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art - one of the youngest to date museum structures in Belarus.

Gallery Mastatstva

Minsk dwellers and guests of Minsk know that in the "Gallery Mastatstva" there is a greatest selection of the paintings in the capital of Belarus.

Ў Art Gallery

“Ў” — is the gallery with the atmosphere of free culture where everyone can get acquainted with modern topical art trends, visit lectures of famous art critics, take part in workshops…

House of Paintings (Dom Kartin)

A new private art gallery in Minsk.

Church of Saints Simon and Helena (Red Church)

Church of St. Simeon and St. Helen or Red Church - an architectural monument of Gothic with elements of Art Nouveau. Built in 1905-10 years on Independence Square in the modern means of a landowner Edward Voinilovich in memory of his dead children too early. Architects were B. Marconi, G. Poyazdersky.

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk

St. Sophia Cathedral in the ancient town of Polotsk does not look like other Eastern Orthodox churches of the same name. It is one of the oldest temples constructed by Eastern Slavonic peoples and the first church built from stone on the territory of Belarus.

The First Private Museum of Miniatures Opened in Minsk

In one building you can see the sights of Belarus in a reduced form.

Gorky Park

The most popular park in Minsk with the attractions and secluded corners.

Holy Martyr Grand Princess Elizabeth Convent

Named after the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia (1864-1918), a granddaughter of Queen Victoria who was arrested and thrown down a mineshaft by the Bolsheviks soon after the October Revolution.

Loshitsa Park

The old Loshitsa Estate in Minsk built in the 16th century belonged to such families as the Drutskys-Gorskys, the Tolochinskys, the Pruszynskis, and the Lyubanskys.

Chelyuskintsev Park

The green island in the capital. There are rides and children's railway, as well as a quiet places for a relaxing holiday.

Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk

One of the most visible churches in Minsk, with its central location overlooking the Svisloch river in the historic Upper Town, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is the most important Russian Orthodox church in the city. Its origins date back to the 17th century when the building served as a Catholic Bernardine monastery.

Aleksander Nevsky Church

The only church in Minsk, which almost completely preserved its original appearance.

Church of All Saints

Such temples are built once in a thousand years. Therefore, the construction of templates based on stereotypes was inadmissible for the creators of the complex.

Krevo Castle ruins

The many colourful stories surrounding Krevo Castle ruins, from secret tunnels to trapped princesses, make it one of the most popular tourist attraction in Belarus.

Lida Castle

Medieval Lida castle, a fine archeological monument that is officially protected by the state, lies 112km north-east of Grodno in the Grodno region of Belarus.

Ruzhany Castle

The palace complex in Ruzhany is one of the unique places in Belarus. For centuries this magnificent architectural ensemble, nicknamed the Belarusian Versailles, was owned by the mighty Sapieha dynasty.

Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches in Gomel

The Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches in Gomel is one of the most beautiful examples of architecture in Belarus. Currently the unique museum complex in central Gomel unites the palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches, a chapel and a burial vault, a winter garden, a watchtower and a picturesque old park.

Palace of the Puslovskys in Kossovo

A unique monument of neo-gothic architecture of the 19th century is situated in the Belarusian town of Kossovo. The Palace of the Puslovskys, or Kossovo Castle, has been nicknamed "knights’ dream" for its fairy-tale-like appearance and splendor.

Marc Chagall Museum in Vitebsk

Vitebsk, the hometown of Marc Chagall, was an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the artist during his whole life. Domes of churches and old streets, miniature houses and shops with signboards, strips of wooden fences, horse-cab drivers in the streets are perpetuated in the artist’s canvases together with the famous angels and lovers in the sky...

Belarusian State Museum of Vernacular Architecture and Ethnic Heritage

It is Belarus’ single museum-skansen that represents a whole village of architectural specimens of the 17th-20th centuries.

Museum of Old Folk Crafts and Technologies Dudutki

Dudutki is one of the most attended museums in Belarus. It is located 40km away from Minsk in a picturesque site near the Ptich River.

History and Culture Museum-Reserve Zaslavl

Zaslavl is one of the most ancient Belarusian towns. It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1127. However, it was founded much earlier.

Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery

The gallery was opened in September 2012 in the city center, close to the Town Hall, in the historical building of city mansion, which is partially reconstructed the interior of the XIX century. This is one of the cultural centers of Minsk.

DK Gallery

We have created a gallery where people can free themselves from the daily bustle and devote time to the soul. To do this, we carefully select the works to create exclusive collections of art and try to catch the appetite of connoisseurs and art lovers.

Art Gallery Predmestje

To buy a beautiful painting, antiques, exclusive gift, you do no need to go abroad!

M. Gorky National Academic Drama Theater

The history of the theater has its roots in the beginning of the 30s of the last century, when in Bobruisk in 1932 on the basis of the troupe of itinerant actors opened the State Russian Drama Theatre of the BSSR.

Belarusian State Academic Musical Theater

Belarusian State Academic Musical Theatre was founded in 1970 and its first theater season opened in January 17, 1971 with the performance of "Sing The Lark" by the Belarusian composer Yuri Semenyako.

Republican Theatre of Belarusian Drama

During the years of the theater life, it has received about 50 awards at various festivals. Theatre presented a dramatic art of Belarus in Edinburgh, Sibiu, Cairo, Warsaw, Lublin, Wiesbaden, Leipzig and Belgrad, at many international festivals and forums in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Belarusian State Youth Theatre

Belarusian State Youth Theatre celebrated its 30th anniversary. At the beginning of the creative way, the troupe rehearsed in the various houses of culture and clubs, foreign scenes.

Belarusian State Puppet Theatre

Belarusian State Puppet Theatre - the oldest theater puppet republic. In his repertoire - memorable, spectacular performances.

Our Guide For The Sculpture-lovers: Minsk

We like to enjoy the architecture, wide avenues, streets. But sometimes you need to look at the sculptures: they can tell a lot of interesting things about the city and about the country.

Brest Fortress

Brest Fortress, one of the most important places in Belarus, dates back to the 19th century and became a key symbol of Soviet resistance in World War 2.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

The primeval forest of this National Park is home to over 900 plants and 250 animals and birds, including several rare species.

Kamenets Tower

The town of Kamenets, Brest Oblast, is home to a unique specimen of defense architecture – the Kamenets Tower (also referred to as the Kamenets pillar or Kamenets Vezha). Its origins go back a long way to the second half of the 13th century.

Trinity Suburb in Minsk

Trinity Suburb is an old picturesque part of Minsk located on the bank of the Svisloch River in the city center. Its cozy little streets and houses, with tile roofs and delicate colors, have become a symbol of Minsk. Their image can be often seen on souvenirs and candy.

Augustow Canal

Augustow Canal is an outstanding hydraulic engineering installation of the 19th century, one of Europe’s largest canals, which has been included onto the preliminary UNESCO World Heritage List.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Belarus

Isabelle shares her impressions of the visit to Belarus in her blog.

Visit Belarus: My Impressions

I didn’t have much expectations before I went to visit Belarus. Actually I had no expectations at all! Even if it’s a neighbour country of Poland and it takes only few hours to get there we don’t know all that much about it – all news that reach us are mostly on political level only.

Kupala Night in Belarus

When summer is in full swing, Belarus celebrates Kupala Night (or Kupalle), one of the oldest folk holidays dedicated to the sun and efflorescence.

Spring Greeting

it's a cycle of celebrations designed to "awake" mother Earth from the winter sleep which was important for such agricultural people as belarusians.

Kalyady

The Pagan Flair Of A Belarusian Christmas. In the Belarusian countryside, the religious holidays of Christmas and Epiphany are fused with pagan “Kalyady” rituals.

Dzyady

It's rechristian celebration originating from the cult of ancestors.

The Medieval Festival "The White Caste"

The spectators can admire performances in costume, combats of knights and ancient music.

The International Arts Festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk

The International Arts Festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk has become a trademark of the Republic of Belarus. For years, the music forum has been promoting cross-cultural dialogue between nations and countries.

Minsk Victory Square

Iconic Minsk Victory Square is both a famous tourist attraction in Belarus and a place of pilgrimage for Belarusians remembering those who died in the Great Patriotic War (World War 2).

Pinsk. Getting Сloser To The Origins

Pinsk city it's one of the most beautiful and oldest Belarusian cities, an unofficial capital of Polesye (Southern Belarus).

Belarusian Rite Of The Kolyady (Christmas) Tsars

In 2009, the unique Belarusian rite of the Kolyady Tsars, which is performed only in the village of Semezhevo (Kopyl District, Minsk Oblast), was added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kurgan Slavy

Kurgan Slavy is the famous memorial to the Great Patriotic War erected on a place where one of the main battles for liberation of Belarus took place during the operation "Bagration".

Isle of Tears

n the bend of the river Svisloch a little humpbacked bridge leads to the "Island of courage and sorrow" which the citizens of Minsk call "Island of Tears." Here, on August 3, 1996 a monument to "Sons of the Motherland, who died beyond its borders" was opened (the authors of the monument: Y. Pavlov, N. Korolev, T.Koroleva-Pavlova, V. Laptsevich, G. Pavlov, O. Pavlov, D. Khomyakov ).

The National Library of Belarus

The National Library of Belarus, being at the head of the library system of the country, is the keeper of a powerful information resource. For more than 90 years it has been collecting the documentary heritage of the Belarusian people.

Belarusian State Circus

Since August 1996 the Belarusian State Circus is managed by Tatsiana Bondarchuk, Director and Art Director. In 1997 Minsk State Circus was renamed to Belarusian State Circus.

Festivals Of National Culture And Cuisine

What did Belarus look like hundreds of years ago? What is so unique about its culture? What Belarusian traditions are famous around the world and how can our country amaze ethno-tourists?

Polotsk. Return To The Origins.

Polotsk was founded in 862 and not only is it the oldest town in the country, it is one of the oldest in the whole Slavic region, making it a popular tourist attraction in Belarus.

Vulica Brasil

The colors of the Brazilian and the Belarusian cultures will be appeared on the buildings in Minsk - there's a festival of street art culture Vulica Brasil.

Slavutiya Maystry

The gallery has a collection of gifts and souvenirs, which are created by folk artists and professional artists.

Want to watch a movie in English? Cinema and movie theatres in Minsk

Cinema - it's not only watching a movie, but a good rest, emotions and even knowledge.

How To See The World Without Leaving Gomel

Gomel is the second most populated city in Belarus. The city has a rich history and a lot of various attractions. Most of them have not only cultural but also historical significance.

Unobvious Attractions In Belarus For Those, Who Have Already Seen Everything!

If the usual tourist routes are boring to you, if you want something fresh and interesting, you can select some items from our guide.

Unknown Minsk

Not all Minsk residents know that there is a castle-prison in the heart of the capital, that Minsk has its own Stonehenge and lovely houses in the style of Gaudi.

Unknown Treasures Of Belarusian Architecture

Belarus has a lot of architectural monuments. But a lot of them became the places of pilgrimage tourism. If you want some privacy - we have compiled a guide to the most beautiful, but not the most famous sights of Belarus.

Proud Of The Nation: Famous Belarusians — Part 4

Our artists are known throughout the world. The works of many of them be found in collections of prestigious museums in the United States, France, Britain and other countries.

Proud Of The Nation: Famous Belarusians - Part 3

A lot of Belarusians have emigrated to America and Europe. Their children became famous models and actors, some founded the film studio. Let's get acquainted with these people.

Belarusian State Philharmonic

Belarusian State Philharmonic Society has begun its way in 30 years of the twentieth century, at first t even without its own building, in unsuitable conditions for rehearsals, deprived of the minimum of the acoustic, so necessary for the creation of new musical groups.

Prime Hall

«PRIME HALL» - a modern amphitheater, designed to make any event the central event in the city's nightlife.

Amazing Minsk

Especially for one of the Belarusian sites, photographer and designer Gustav Goodstuff chose his favorite photos of Minsk and helped to see another side of the city.

Grodno (Hrodna). Belarusian Beauty

Grodno is considered to be the most beautiful city of Belarus. There occurred a fusion of cultures, a lot of important events. Therefore the city impresses not only with its own outer beauty, but also a rich history.

Belarus in five days

The article by Greeg Bloom for LonelyPlanet. You'll understand, what you must see and do in Belarus during your 5-day trip.

Brest. Real Journey To The Heroic Glory.

The city of heroes and the Hero-city. You should visit Brest, if you want to feel the reality of belarusian history.

How we call spring. Photographer Alfred Mikus about the mystery of the ancient rite "Gukanne viasny".

Photographers always notice much more than ordinary viewers or participants. That is why today's story will be especially rich - it is written and visualized by the photographer.

Vitebsk. Cradle For The Artist.

Vitebsk is the cradle of Belarusian culture, one of the most attractive and historically rich cities of our country.

Mogilev (Mahilyow). In Pursuit Of The Stars And History.

Mogilev is a city in eastern Belarus, the third biggest city in a country. If you want to dive deep in belarusian culture, traditions and history, you've chosen the right destination!

Bobruisk (Babruisk): Unravel The Secret Of Wealth And Success.

Bobruisk is one of the most famous cities in Belarus. Firstly, because of the monument to the beaver, secondly, because of the tires production, and thirdly, there are the most delicious marshmallow.

Borisov (Barysaw). A Trip Around The City Of Sport And Napoleon

Borisov is one of the oldest cities in Belarus. It combines the depth of history and new trends in architecture.

Alexander Solodukha: "I am in love with my work!"

To arrange an interview with this, perhaps, the most shocking Belarusian artist, is a pleasure. Alexander Solodukha is always happy to talk about his preferences - about music, favorite songs and the most pleasant gifts.

Grodno Becomes More Friendly For Tourists

Billboards with maps depicting tourist routes will be installed at the entrances to the Belarusian city of Grodno by the end of April.

Maxim Bogdanovich’s Literary Museum

In 2016 Belarus celebrated the 125th anniversary of the birth of Maxim Bogdanovich, eminent Belarusian poet, journalist and literary critic. He is one of the brightest stars in the sky of Belarusian poetry.

The Butrimovich Palace

The beautiful biulding with antique terraces on side wings and five high stairs, facing the river in the past is called here The Butrimovich Palace.

The Palace of Tyzengauz

Postavy is known since 1552 as a private settlement. In the second half of the XVIII century A. Tyzengauz was its owner. It was his initiative to build here some plants, a weaving factory, a mill, a tannery, an architectural complex of dwelling houses.

The Grodno Lutheran Church

The Grodno Lutheran church, which presumably was built in 1783, is still performing its function. Lutheran church in Belarus - a rarity, but in terms of architecture, the building is almost indistinguishable from an ordinary Catholic church.

Poland May Take Part in Lida Castle Renovation

Belarus invites Polish investors to participate in the project to renovate Lida Castle, Andrei Naumovich, Chairman of the Human Rights, National Relations, and Mass Media Commission of the House of Representatives, told reporters.

The Minsk Height

Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.

Braslav. The ‘Blue Necklace’ of Belarus

The town was first mentioned in 1065 as a castle in the border of the Polatsk Principality with the Lithuanian tribes. In the 14th century, Braslaw was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and, in fact, became an important fortification near the disturbing line with the Livonian Order in the 14 – 15th centuries.

Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum

Yanka Kupala (1882 — 1942) was a classic of Belarusian literature: a poet, playwright, translator, author of about 2,000 works that were translated into many foreign languages.

The National Park Narochansky

The National Park Narochansky is located in the north-west of the country and is part of the Belarusian Lake District. Naroch Lake area is a unique natural treasure and the largest resort region of Belarus. Picturesque sceneries, clear lakes and rivers and healing mineral springs attract visitors from all over the world.

UNESCO World Heritage: Treasures of Belarus

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.

Church of the St. Nicolas (Logoisk)

Church of the St. Nicolas was built in 1866. Unlike the old church of the same name which was placed in the low place outside Logoysk, the new temple was built directly in the settlement on the hill. A remarkable event in the life of St. Nicholas Church occurred in 1907.

Baranovichi: Welcome To The Kingdom Of The Railway

Baranovichi - is a city of Brest region of Belarus, an administrative center of Baranovichi district. The city's history began in November 1871, when began a movement at the newly built section of the railway Smolensk - Brest.

Molodechno. At The Crossroads Of Epochs

The history of Molodechno is an essential part of the Belarusian history. It is proud of the well-known people who contributed to the national and world history and culture. Molodechno was first mentioned in a document on obedience to Grand Duke of Lithuania Yagailo that was signed by Duke of Novgorod-Seversk Dmitry Olgerdovich in the Molodechno castle on December 16, 1388.

Belarusian Literature Day will be organized in Belarus

The organizers of this year's celebrations of the Belarusian Literature Day expect that the event will attract many guests from abroad, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Zharko said following a meeting of the organizing committee of the Belarusian Literature Day celebrations in Polotsk.

The House of Vankovich

Almost in the center of modern Minsk the modest private residence held out. Experts consider it to be the pearl of the architecture of the beginning of 19th century: as repeatedly researches confirmed, this house is constructed in strict conformity with the canons of classicism, according to the proportions of "golden section".

Nesvizh: The City Of A Romantic Castle

Nesvizh was first documented in 1223, later becoming a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the 15th century, while still a minor town, it passed to the Radziwill princely family, and remained the family's home until 1813. The first Belarusian language book printed in the Latin alphabet, a catechism by Symon Budny, was published in Nesvizh in 1562.

Mir. In the World of Heritage

Mir (meaning "world" and "peace"; but the name most likely originates from the name of the river the settlement is situated on) is a town in Hrodna Voblast on the banks of Miranka River. Mir village was founded sometime prior to 1345. It is home to a late medieval castle, which made the town the target of many attacks over the centuries.

Navahrudak: The Land Of Kings

In the 14th century it was an episcopal see of the Metropolitanate of Lithuania. It is a possible first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was first mentioned in the Sophian First Chronicle and Fourth Novgorod Chronicle in 1044 in relation to a war of Yaroslav I the Wise against Lithuanian tribes. During the 16th century, Maciej Stryjkowski was the first who, in his chronicle, proposed theory, that Navahrudak became the capital of the 13th century state.

Niemcewicz Estate In Skoki Village

The magnificent Baroque-style estate was built in the 1770s to the order of Marceli Niemcewicz, a representative of the old family. The estate was inherited by his son Julian Niemcewicz, a writer, historian, and public figure, who served as an aide-de-camp to Tadeusz Kosciuszko and participated in the drafting of the first European constitution.

Trinity Church in Vidzy

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Trinity Church) in the village of Vidzy is Belarus’ second largest Roman Catholic church after the church in Budslav.

Uladzimir Karatkevich Museum in Orsha

A talented writer, playwright and scenarist, publicist and translator, a representative of the old noble family and a passionate history lover, Uladzimir Karatkevich is unique in the Belarusian literature. His books are among the most beloved and widely read by many generations.

Priluki Castle

The legend has it that the mysterious castle in the village of Priluki was built in place of an Orthodox monastery that was ruined in 1740 for an unknown reason.

Palace and Park Ensemble in Stankovo Village

In the village of Stankovo Count Emeryk Hutten-Czapski built a wonderful manor that became his family nest. The palace itself reflected his nostalgia for the Middle Ages.

Ashmyany. A Piece of Lithuania in Belarus

Ashmyany is a town in Grodno Region. The town and region surrounding modern Ashmyany was once within the ethnic Lithuanian territory.

Museum-Estate of Ilya Repin "Zdravnevo"

The Zdravnevo estate is located near the village of Koitovo, on the left bank of the Western Dvina. In 1892 it was acquired by the famous Russian painter Ilya Repin.

Catholic Church of St. Andrew

There are suggestions that the church was consecrated in the name of St. Andrew Bobola, but representatives of the Roman Catholic Church of Belarus believe that the church bears the name of the apostle Andrew.

Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity in Gerviaty

A magnificent church in the Neo-Gothic style, which can decorate any European capital, was built in the village of Gerviaty in the years 1899-1903 at the expense of Prince Olszewski.

The Temple of God's Body (Corpus Christi church)

The grandiose temple was built in 1584-1593. It was used as a church of the Jesuit monastery designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni.

Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua

Tourists who love nature, water and tranquility, often visit Postavy. But not everyone knows that there are many places of interest here. In 1898-1904, under the direction of architect Arthur Goibel, a neo-Gothic church of St. Anthony of Padua was built here, which today is the vertical accent of the historical center of Postavy.